by Courtney Stafford, Publicity Consultant, for SBOANJ

Manalapan, NJ — Yannick Gingras was elected to the Board of Directors of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ). Of the 758 members, 347 ballots were returned and counted on Friday (Oct. 14) by the accounting firm Drucker, Math & Whitman, certified public accountants in North Brunswick, N.J.

In one of the two contested categories – driver/trainer – Gingras received the most votes over incumbent Jacqueline Ingrassia and the other challenger Vincent Ginsburg.
In the second contested category owners Anthony Perretti and Anthony Romano were both re-elected to another term. The two incumbents were on the ballot with challenger Joe Jannuzzelli.

In the uncontested breeders category Mike Klau and Mark Mullen were re-elected.

This was Gingras’ first bid for a seat on the SBOANJ Board of Directors.

“I am happy to have been elected, I am looking forward to start working with those already in place on ways to get people in the stands and improve racing in New Jersey,” said Gingras, who is currently top driver by earnings in North America.

In other news reported from the annual SBOANJ meeting, the Board of Directors took the opportunity to update members on the current status of the boards they chair.
Anthony Romano, chairman of insurance, reported that the current status of the insurance account is in line to finish where it has been in the last few years. Therefore, he does not foresee any increases to rates moving into 2017. He also discussed the current alignment with the BCAP association, which recently opened its new medical trailer at Gaitway Farm. The trailer is staffed by a physician and registered nurse from Centra State and is currently open every other Friday to all members for medical needs.

Chairman of finance, Tom Pontone, discussed the benevolent fund payouts thus far, totaling $6,650.00 with a few more requests up for review. The benevolent fund has also been assisting a member navigate through the billing process and helping with claims while fighting cancer.

Maritsa Quijada’Dill has been personally assisting this member in any way possible to help ease the financial burden during this difficult time. The benevolent fund is available to help in more ways than simply awarding money if necessary.

Mike Gulotta, treasurer, stated that the current conditions of the SBOANJ’s finances remain strong. He made a point to mention the recent statements made by the Meadowlands that purses maybe cut in the upcoming winter meet. If that does in fact happen, the SBOANJ income will drop and the budget will need to be reevaluated. Gulotta assured all members that this was a matter that would continue to be monitored.

Chairman of TrotPAC, Anthony Perretti, updated all members on the grassroots campaign promoting the expansion of gaming in North Jersey. He played the two commercials that have been released to the public via social media, as well as appear on both the TrotPAC and SBOANJ’s websites. Everyone is very happy with the response to the commercials as well as the amount of people they have reached on Facebook.

The board held a closed-door meeting at the conclusion of the public meeting to further discuss campaign plans moving forward.